Via Redferret

Last updated (19 May’12):

Consistently across the Internet the Nikon D800 receives rave reviews. In fact many indicate the D800 provides images quality that has until recently been reserved to the medium format cameras.

With a huge 36.3 megapixel sensor the D800 set the resolution bar very high. Reviewers classify the D800 images as stunning in terms of dynamic range, color and details. Medium format shooters now have a smaller and more compact choice to bulky medium format camera bodies and because of the massive sensor, the photo quality is on par with the medium format rigs.

Nikon offers the D800 in two styles – the D800 and the D800E. Because it deletes the low-pass filter the D800E delivers photos with increased sharpness and better resolution. Photographers who shoot in controlled situations may appreciate the higher quality results from the D800E however, for most shooting situations Nikon suggests the standard D800.

See it at: Amazon | B & H Photo

Commentary:

Photography is going through some huge changes when it comers to technology. The D800 represents the tip of the technological capability where huge sensors are being placed into smaller and smaller bodies.

Read the full review at Btobey.

Specs:

- Single-core 1.5GHz AllWinner A10 processor
- 512MB of memory
- 2 x USB ports
- Runs Google’s latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system
- WiFi 802.11b/g connectivity

Wow – this is a FuLLY functioning computer.

Via Geeky Gadgets

Boulder couple Christopher Smith and Merete Mueller live part-time in a 7-by-19-foot 133 square foot home. Both smith and Mueller work in Boulder and are seriously considering moving permanently into a tiny house.

People ask us why we didn’t buy a single-wide trailer, but we wanted something that really felt like a home.

These two began building their tiny house with no construction skill and had to rely on a lot of internet help and spending a ton of time at Home Depot. All exterior and interior walls beetle-kill pine and the floors are recycled timber. their tiny house is insulated using a soy-based spray-foam insulation and its 7 windows give the two a three-hundred-degree view.

Electrical power is provided by solar panels and the “restroom” features a composting toilet. One minor inconvenience is that with no well the two need to haul water by jug. Cooking is done with a 2 burner alcohol stove and heat is provided by a propane fuel stove.

Pretty sweet house if you ask me – check out this video and photos!

Via DailyCamera

The D20 is a second generation waterproof camera comes with 12.1 megapixels, 2.5 LCD and the craziest accessory kit I’ve seen which includes a custom strap, color face plates, and for the outdoor person at heart a carabineer hook.

D20 Specs

Waterproof to 33 feet
Temperature resistant: 10-104 degrees F
Shock resistant up to 4 feet
Sealed from dust? You betcha!

Because of its rugged construction the D20 feels solid in your hands. Of course all of the components are protected and the ports are all airtight. This is the camera that you can drop and not have a heart attack. It’s shooting menu is the familiar PowerShot interface which is easy to navigate.

Performance wise the D20 is no slouch with fast focus and fast shot-to-shot speed. Sure, obviously it’s bigger than the standard Canon compacts, but you drop one of those and it’s game over. Cool aspect of the D20 is it’s at home in ANY environment, from birthday parties to playing around and IN the pool.

Video is recorded in full 1080p and it also has a 720/30p mode plus 2 really slow motion modes at 240 and 120fps. Actually for a rugged camera the D20 has some pretty impressive video capabilities.

Burst (high speed) mode fires 6.8 images per second and if you use the self timer it’ll record 2 images per second.

Amazon user comments:

- Consider this waterproof camera first
- Great for a rugged camera
- Super
- Love It
- Excellent point and shoot, just a bit bulky is all

See it at: Amazon | B & H Photo

Via Engadget

Micro Four Thirds cameras came onto the market several years ago and offer a new class of camera that has DSLR advantages but in a smaller lighter footprint. One of the appealing aspects is the ability to change lenses which has been reserved for the larger bulkier DSLRs.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has clearly won the hearts of photographers world-wide for its state-of-the-art image stabilization and full weather seal which means it can be taken just about anywhere. In most tests and reviews the E-M5 has received Editor’s Choices or Best of Breed awards.

Advantages:
- Small size
- Weather sealed
- Very nice LCD EVF
- Movable LCD Screen
- Good kit lens
- Very nice high ISO performance
- Quick autofocus
- 9 FPS burst
- Stabilization in the body

Without a doubt the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is the micro four thirds holdouts have been patiently waiting for. Of course there are many micro four third cameras on the market very few of them have the word “outstanding” associated with them. The E-M5 holds its own against the larger DSLR in every way including quickness and image quality. On the down side all mirror-less cameras do not have a optical viewfinder which may be a problem for some photographers.

All things considered this is an outstanding camera that has been shown to deliver quality images and performance.

See it at: Amazon | B & W Photo

Commentary:

It’s interesting to see the impact of the retro look of the E-M5, people love it and the reviewers at WIRED were just as fascinated as everyone else. About the only thing these guys found disturbing was the continuous shooting which has a long way to go to compete with a DSLR. Other than that very cool and powerful camera.

Read the full review at Wired.

Commentary:

Not that MacWorld is the epicenter of camera reviews however, in this situation they did a really good job with the Olympus OM-D E-M5. Ultimately a camera is judged by it’s image quality and in the case of the E-M5 MacWorld notes that in every single area including, exposure, color, sharpness, and distortion the E-M5 is not just good, it’s superior. Now that’s a recommendation

Read the full review at MacWorld.

Via Jetson Green
Photo Credit – Jetson Green

If you’re having problems with your knees then you’ll want to pay attention to this review.

The McDavid Thermal & Ice Knee Wrap is a neoprene wrap that is a precise method for applying heat and cold therapy. What makes it so nice is the design is simple and easy to put on and once it’s on it does not slide down. It has a gel pack that can be either frozen or microwaved.

There is no question that ice and heat therapy help to increase blood flow which enables your metabolism to remove and reabsorb cellular by-products which helps reduce both swelling and recovery time.

Personally, I keep the gel pack in my freezer and if I feel ANYTHING going on in either of my knees I apply the McDavid Knee Wrap with the frozen gel pack. All I can say is this thing has kept my knees healthy and sound. Plus, when I have injured my knees this wrap has been one of my primary rehab methods.

I give it a big time thumbs up!

People who’ve purchased it on Amazon comment…
- Is practical and easy to use.
- This wrap has significantly helped me reduce knee pain due to swelling and I would recommend it.

See it at: Amazon